What is the best treatment for spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis can be painful, with a tingling sensation in the backbone. Though this is not caused by injuries when the disks in the spine have drifted apart, they will not work as shock absorbers. Spinal stenosis can be a reason for many other conditions and injuries as well. This injury can also pressure the nerves that can travel through the spine. 

Usually, patients with spinal stenosis face confusion about the treatment options for the condition. So, what is the best treatment for spinal stenosis?

There are various natural, therapeutic, and surgical treatments available for spinal stenosis, which you find below.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the disks in the spinal cord are adjusted irregularly, and the patients have bad shock absorbers that can put a lot of pressure on the body’s normal functioning. It can become tough to live with spinal stenosis. However, many effective and advanced treatments are available for the condition. 

What is the best treatment for spinal stenosis?

These are the top methods for relieving the pain caused by spinal stenosis.

#1 Medications – 

Several medications can support and work as a treatment for Spinal Stenosis like-

• Opioids – Opioid drugs can help relieve stenosis by providing relief from the pain. Some opioid medications are
  • Oxycontin
  • Oxycodone
  • Hysingla
• Anti-seizure drugs – these medications can help support the need to prevent seizures in the case of stenosis. Some anti-seizure drugs are Neurontin-Gralise.
• Antidepressants – Some antidepressant drugs that can help support the conditions of stenosis can be Amitriptyline which helps relieve chronic pains.
• NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – They also work like painkillers.

Though medications are available for spinal stenosis treatment, they should be taken only after consulting with the doctor as these medications are really strong for the body to cope with the condition.

#2 Therapy – 

There are a lot of therapies for people that can help them build their strength back and recover from a condition like stenosis. Physical therapy is one such type. It includes performing a series of movements to help free the back from the pain and stresses in the spinal cord. Physical therapy can help in

1. Building up strength and endurance and providing relief from pain.
2. Improve the balance of the body
3. It will also help maintain the power and flexibility of the spinal cord.

#3 Surgeries –

Surgeries are one of the best treatments for spinal stenosis.

These surgeries can help create more space within the spinal cord, and these processes are explained here-

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• Laminectomy: This surgery removes the lamina or the back part of the vertebral column and the affected spinal bone. This can reduce the nerves’ pressure and make more space around the vertebral column. In this surgery, the bones are linked to the spinal bones with metals and bone grafts.

• Laminotomy: This surgery can help remove the part of the lamina by creating a hole in the spinal cord. The hole is as such that it relieves the pressure in the specific spot on the spinal cord.

• Laminoplasty: When asked, “What is the best treatment for spinal stenosis?” laminoplasty treatment stands out as the most effective option. This surgery is done on the spinal bone of the neck, and the space within the spinal canal is more significant enough to create a hinge on the lamina. The metal hardware bridges have gaps that help open the spine section.

#4 Steroid shots for Spinal Stenosis treatment – 

The nerve roots in the spinal cord can become irritated and swollen at the spots. Injecting a steroidal medication in the space around the nerve can also result in inflammation and relieve some pain. However, the steroidal shot is not the best for spinal stenosis, so you should opt for other options.

#5 Needle injections for thickened ligaments –

The ligaments at the back of the lumbar get the spine too thick, so needle-like tools inserted through the skin can remove the same ligament. This procedure can create more space in the spine and can reduce pressure on the nerve roots. This procedure is performed within an hour of reaching the hospital, and parties are free to go home the same day.

But this surgery can also have associated risks like signs of infection, blood clots in the leg vein, or tear in the spinal cord’s membrane. So the patients should be aware of the risks before proceeding with this procedure.

Also Read: Should I Use Ice or Heat for Back Pain?

#6 Lifestyle Changes to Treat Spinal Stenosis – 

• Pain reliever: Advil, Motril, Aleve, and Tylenol are some of the medications that doctors can recommend for patients to provide relief from the pain in spinal stenosis.
• Weight loss: Losing weight excessively can reduce pain by taking some stress off the back.
• Exercises: stretching and exercising are some of the few simple ways to help relieve spinal stenosis discomfort. Talk with your physiotherapist to ease the condition and suggest some of the best exercises.
• Walking aids: Canes and walkers provide stability and relieve spinal cord pain by allowing the correct bending forward and walking straight.

#7 Alternative medications – 

Integrative and alternative medications are traditional medicine that can also help to treat Spinal stenosis through it includes:

• Massage therapy: Massage therapies are performed by trained masseuses who know the area of pain and how to ease it without inflicting any pain on the patient’s back.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been used as a traditional science in which needles are inserted into the nerve endings. This technique provides relief at the posterior end of the nerve at the beginning of the nerve.
• Chiropractic care: Chiropractors deal with conditions like spinal stenosis regularly, and they are the best care providers with different sessions; they can help ease the patients’ pain.

FAQs –

Summary –

Spinal stenosis is the sharp pain you can experience in the spinal cord. Spinal stenosis can be relieved by different medications, surgical options, physical therapies, and steroidal shots. However, it will be best to consult with a doctor while dealing with spinal stenosis, as every step in the process is vital since this condition can result in paralysis for the patients. It is also essential to consult regarding the medications because they are very high-dosage. If the medicines are insufficient to relieve the condition, the patients can get chiropractic care, an acupuncture session, or massage therapies for better comfort.